A LITTLE TOUCH OF ROSE - EPISODE 8

Rosita’s standpoint

“Rosita, time for school,” mom said melodiously. Trust me, her voice is filled with melodiousness. I groaned and rolled on my bed. “What is wrong with you and Sakura today? You are late for school already,”

“Haha, I don’t want to go to school,” I heard Sakura whine, “I’m ready to be a drop out now,”

“God forbid, you are not dropping out of school just because you got partnered up with a rich boy. I pried my eyes open to see Sakura lift her head and glare at mother.

“Not just any rich boy, my ex boyfriend who used and dumped me. Shouldn’t you be angry?” Sakura tells mom almost everything.

Mom placed her hands on her hips and rolled her eyes. “Why should I be? You didn’t tell me when you started dating him, and you didn’t tell me when you decided to open your legs for him. Sakura, I raised you better, but I don’t blame you, I blame love. Love is blind, just as blind as you were.”

“Love made me blind, mother,”

“I don’t care, now ass off the bed and get it ready for school.” She ordered.

“I don’t want to. I got back from work late yesterday, plus the crying.” She whined.

“No one asked you to cry,” mother smacked my ass. I groaned. “Stand up and make yourself a good example for your younger sister,”

“I worked late too, I need a break,” I complained. I barely did anything at work, just handled the cash register. There wasn’t much work to do since the customers were fewer. I didn’t sleep early because I was busy doing other important stuffs.

“Sakura, stand up!”

“Neesan, you stand first,” she murmured sleepily. I murmured something back and closed my eyes to go back to sleep. I was already dozing off when something cold splash on me. I screamed and flew out of the bed. Mom poured me water! Can you imagine!

Sakura screamed as she too received her share of the early bath. “Awwm, now you’ll have to wake up,” she taunted. “I’m going to go make sure your siblings are set for school. You two better be ready by the time I return…”

“But mother…” I almost collapsed from the glare she gave me. Her blue eyes hard darken, giving her a dangerous look.

So, that’s why my own signature look is stronger. Daddy, you held back a lot of information.

“Were you saying something?” I shook my head with a little fear. First time.

“Good, be a good girl,” she looked at Sakura who was shaking, “both of you.” And just like that, she strutted out of the room proudly. The shock took a while to settle in.

“What was that?”

“Mother just gave us The Look, scary, that’s the point. We better get ready before she returns. Neesan, you bathe first since you are faster.” She suggested.

“No, you first since you are slower, I’ll get the chores done first.” She nodded with a weak smile. Sakura turned and ran out of them room.

That pain you are feeling, Sakura, I wish I can take it away, but I can’t. I want to protect you from the pains because I led you to them. I don’t know how it feels to hurt from love, and I don’t want to. Hope this project will get you back to him, I know you still love him. Isaac Fukushima, I’d done a deep research on him, piece the clues together and found out his reasons. Three hours was all it took. Isaac isn’t bad, he really loves you Sakura and I hope fate play her part well.

With that uttered in my mind, I went on to clean the room.

_______________

Sakura was panicking and screaming, we were awfully late for school. I wasn’t worried one bit, but she was a punctual kind of person, never late for anything. Her period of whining ended immediately she wore her new uniform… Yes, I got her a new uniform. It wasn’t like mine, it was silver and white, no particular identity as well. Sakura looked so good in it. I also bought her new shoes, schoolbag and socks. Mom was worried on how I got the money, so I told her I sold my precious ring.

Mom knew I came from a rich home, it was easy to tell and she clearly wasn’t stupid. She however bought my lie of my parents wanting to marry me off to an old man and knowing how rich people are, it was believable. She scolded me on why I would sell my “diamond” ring, but I didn’t care. I couldn’t stand what she was wearing, or even my siblings so I snapped and changed their wardrobe to something more moderate and presentable. I bought Reece and Bloom new uniforms, shoes and everything they would need. I even bought Reece a laptop since he needed it more than the others, and hired a personal Uber to be taking them to and fro.

God I felt good after that. My next work was to get them a new apartment, one they can be comfortable in. Not yet though, it would be too soon and suspicious.

“I don’t understand, why isn’t any cab stopping for us? We’ve missed the bus again! When is it coming back!”

I nonchalantly typed on my phone, “how are you so relaxed?!”

“Calm down, Sakura,”

“Calm down?” She asked with a small frightened voice, like I just said the most stupidest but scariest thing. “I’m going to lose my record of punctuality, do you know what that means for my scholarship?”

“It means you came late a day, no one would die. Plus, you are not being sponsored by the school, but by a single individual.”

“Darra’s father is part of the board member governing the school, he has large shares and that is how I was able to get in. I am under the school though under his name, as much as you are… Well, would have been if you didn’t pay for yourself.” I stopped typing, lifted my gaze from my phone and raised a brow.

“Darra’s father?”

“Yes, he is mistress’s son,”

“Oh, I see,” I averted my eyes back to my phone.

“Let’s start trekking, I’m sure we can still make it on time, even if we are already late.”

“Calm down, my ride is coming,”

“What ride? You called for a Uber?” She asked gleefully. I smiled.

“No, Romi convinced me that riding my new power bike is cool and totally badass–which I totally agree. So, I let her activate one so I’ll be driving us to school from now on.” I explained. Sakura gasped and grip my shoulders suddenly with a dramatic look.

“You have a bike?” I nodded. “You have a bike!” She shouted as she shook me with vigorous excitement. “And you didn’t tell me?!” She let out a totally loud shriek. She started doing her funny happy dance, jumping around like the dancing character from a stupid game Bloom made me play; New York Nights or something.

Sakura loved motorcycles, her dream transportation means. I wasn’t that keen on it, loved advance teched skates, shoes and sport cars. However, seeing Sakura’s happiness made me smile because she was going to lose her mind when the bike arrives. I was glad Romi convinced me.

“Romi, Romi, I love you!” She started shouting. Yes, I told her about Romi so she knew Romi is an intelligent life, one that was speaking to me through the chip in my ear. Romi giggled.

“See, told you,”

“Yes, you did.” And the bike arrived. Sakura froze for a matter of two minutes as she gawked at the expensive bike. Everyone was staring at it. The bike had the ability to track down the location of it owner like it just did.

It was one of the five new model released in my company, D-Range S-329. It wasn’t the top to me, my bike were more advance. But you can’t put out advance technology when it’s used for assassination assignments. This one was actually the second lowest, couldn’t use either of the three highest because only three to four was made so only important people would be able to get it. This one was cool too, super cool because it was the only triple colored one among them. I made it so.

Once the shock had settled in, she opened and closed her mouth like a fish. “Neesan,” she called incredulously, “is that a D-Range S-329 in front of me?”

“Yes, Sakura, it is,” she nodded dazedly.

“Can I faint?” I chuckled and quickly held her before she actually pass out.

“We are late for school,” I reminded her. She nodded, still not comprehending anything. I did her a favour, climbed onto the bike and wore the first helmet. I helped her wear the second and then pulled her into the bike. The cool thing about riding a bike in a short school skirt; you simply look sexy.

I zoomed out of the bus stop with haste, Sakura’s hands around my waist. The bike was her favourite colours, a pink that match cherry blossom, peachy like orange colour and mild white. The colours blended so well into each other and it took Romi to convince me not to seal the bike with a blossom petal. That would be too obvious she said.

Sakura got over the shock as she started shrieking and jumping like she wanted to fly out of the bike. At some point, she stood up and screamed something about the universe finally smiling down at her. It made me happy because my little sister was happy. Her energy surrounded me, made me happy and brought satisfaction to my heart.

We got to school at third class period. Not many students were outside but the ones who saw us come paused and either gawked at our sexiness, the bike or both. The cool thing about it all was that the bike was really expensive in Japan. I took off the helmet with a dramatic shake of my wavy white hair. Girl has to showoff a little. I got down from the bike after Sakura and belted our helmets.

“Neesan! That was amazing!”

“So, you like it, huh?” I asked smirkingly. Time to give her a heart attack.

“Hai! It was amazing, Neesan, really cool. You rock!”

“Hmm,” I took her right palm and slapped the key down on it, “don’t die, but you can keep it.”

“E?” She asked with shock. (Huh?)

“I didn’t buy it for me, I bought it for you. I don’t like bikes, but you do so… Hmm, keep it, it’s all yours and don’t you even think about returning it or I’ll be very offended. See you later, Sakura-chan,” I teased her with the name, winking to tell her I was teasing. I laughed as I left her to let the shock settle in.

“Five, four, three, two…”

“One.” I completed for Romi. Sakura shrieked like a completely mad person. She started laughing and squealing. Mission accomplished.

Zedekiah’s standpoint

What do I hate other than Rosita? Gym class. It was a pretty much annoying activity that eventually, everyone had to join in. Darra and Odin were a pro with sport, a little too good. While Darra did great with dodge balls and basketball, Odin did well with football and cricket. I was more of a soccer kind of guy, but that didn’t mean I liked playing. I only learnt to be good at it because Rosita is a damn good player and I wanted to show her what it means to play with a pro.

We always end up in a draw.

The boys and girls were scattered allover the gym, chattering and gossiping about someone who brought an expensive bike to school or something about roses? I wasn’t paying attention. Rosita was with Meena and Hime, they were laughing about something utterly stupid since girls are stupid. If Rosita was a boy, then boys will be fools! Wait, what?

“Okay class, your junior will be joining you since their gym got vandalised,” coach announced as she led the students into the gym.

“Sakura-chan!” Hime shouted, waving at her. The blue eyed girl smiled and waved back, emitting gasps from the students.

“Don’t just stand there, silly, come over here,” Meena laughed. Sakura adjusted her shiny backpack and ran towards them. She changed her uniform and… Well, most things.

Well of course she will, her sister is a billionaire.

“Wow, you look sweet,” the girl blu… Okay, why do I care?! I looked away from them to Isaac. He was busy drooling over her! Odin saw it too and smacked his head.

“Stop drooling, idiot,” he nodded while rubbing his head.

“We are playing four sections today, boys versus girls. The winner gets to choose the next game and call the shots.” Not like anyone cared, Darra always wins.

Coach blew his whistle for us to get into position. Somehow, Rosita ended up passing me, so I stuck my leg out. She screamed as she tumbled down like a bag of sand. I cringe from the loud smack sound her face to the floor made.

Ah, satisfaction.

Real mature, Zed, really mature.

Everyone was laughing. Since she was wearing a knee-length pegged gym pants, nothing opened this time. She was the only one wearing glowing white gym clothes. Unlike the other girls who wore shorts and shirt with colours that matched their status, she was wearing a joggers-like pants with hooded matching top. The outfit hugged her body too much, like she wanted everyone to see that there is more to her slim body. Her heavy trainers were spiked underneath like a soccer player and white too.

“You are unbelievable,” Odin said as he helped her up. She smirked evilly at me. I scoffed and looked away. “Don’t mind him, make sure you get him in the face where it’ll hurt most.” My eyes widened at Odin’s traitorous advice.

“Are you kidding me?!”

“No.” Was his plain reply. Rosita winked at me before going to stand between Meena and Sakura.

“Hey, guess what, Sakura?” Hime who was standing at the other side of Sakura said. “Your partner fell sick and was hospitalised, so now you have to work with Isaac-kun alone. Isn’t that amazing news?” My eyes flew open when the ball in Sakura’s small hand cracked from how hard she squeezed it.

“Swell,” she said through gritted teeth. The way she said it, the poison that seep out of her mouth and laced with her tone was enough to send a man to his early grave. Now couple it with the bitterness and murderous hate that shimmered in her eyes… Heh, heh, heh, Isaac is so dead.

Isaac gulped loudly and stepped back with visible fear, but Odin pushed him back forward. Rosita wiped off imaginary tears and sniffed. “Oh God, My Blossom, I’m so proud of you. You are making mama proud.” I rolled my eyes.

“Did you really crack the ball?” Hime asked with wide eyes.

“Wish it was his head,” Sakura grumbled.

“Hey!” Cedric shouted. “Watch your mouth!” The glare Sakura gave him made him stumble back. It was almost like one of the glare Rosita used to give me to shut me up.

“What did you say?” Sakura asked threateningly. Cedric pinned his lips shut. “Right, I didn’t think so.” She averted her hateful glare back to Isaac who was trying not to collapse. Her hate made her courageous and maybe knowing that Rosita was there to protect her.

Speaking of her, the witch was grinning from ear to ear with pride. “I knew dad’s lineage didn’t have that level four glare, always wondered where I got it from. Now I know, and also where I get my strength from. Those two aren’t a good match for each other. Fire and earth? No wonder I’m not normal.” She mused out loud. I don’t think she even knew she was speaking out loud.

“Girls, boys, get ready!” I rolled my eyes and bent down to pick a ball. “Ready in three…”

“Three!” Rosita shouted and before I could avert my attention to her, a ball hit me right between the legs and HARD. I fell on my knees, groaning with severe pain as Odin and the witch started laughing with Darra and Meena.

“Good one, Oneesan,” Darra said between his laugh.

“I said his face, not his… Really?” Odin laughed. I glared up at them with red eyes.

She smirked. “Don’t worry, I haven’t ruined your balls more than it already has,” some boys coughed while Alvin threw himself on the floor and laughed his ass out. Cedric couldn’t hide his either. Even the coach was laughing.

“Sensei, aren’t you going to do something about her insolence?” Sora asked.

“He started it.” Was her reply. Not surprise that she’ll take her side, my best friend took hers too.

“But…”

“Okay, game begins, Zed, stand up.” Sensei ordered. I placed my hands on the floor and pushed myself up. It felt like someone step me. “Game begins, in three, two, one,” immediately the whistle blew, Sakura picked a ball and before anyone could see what was happening, she hurled the ball towards Isaac and got him right in the face. Isaac collapsed on the floor, like faint collapse.

“Oops, didn’t mean to throw that hard,” she said innocently. Everyone gasped and started saying this and that. I was laughing.

Did you see the way he fell? It was hilarious.

Cedric started laughing with me while Odin tried to revive Isaac with slaps. Finally, Darra emptied water on his face and he woke up.

“What is wrong with you?” I turned my head to look at who was yelling. It was that Sora’s friend and she was pulling at Sakura’s hair. “Don’t you know his health is delicate? Do you want to send him to a hospital?!”

“Let go of me!” Sakura yelled and pushed the girl. She stumbled back and fell on her butt. “Touch me again and I’ll twist your scrawny little hand until it breaks like a twig! Who do you think you are?! You think you know anything about his health you little…little…” She controlled herself before she spilled the truth out. First time for Sakura to defend herself and she looked hot doing so.

Seriously, Zed? The only one hot here is Rosita.

You again!

“Don’t touch me again or I’ll kill you!!!”

“Enough, Sakura,” Rosita barked. The girl was clearly letting her emotions get the best of her. Sakura obediently kept her mouth shut. “Just ignore her, it’s easier that way.”

“Isaac, are you okay?” I heard Odin ask. Isaac hummed. He takes everything because he knows deserves it.

About five minutes later, the whistle blew again and surprisingly, most of the girls threw their balls at Sakura and Rosita instead. Rosita immediately pulled Sakura behind Meena and easily dodge the balls with speed. I knew what was coming next. She did her ferocious spinning kick and sent five balls flying. The five balls somehow successfully knocked twelve girls out. I’m not surprise, she is a soccer prodigy like father would boast.

“And meant for you.” Like he would add.

Over my dead body!

Coach ended up scolding the girls to fight their own war and stay out of other people’s. So in ten minutes, we were back to tossing balls at each other. The balls were extra strong, like they were made of rocks. Hime hit Alvin and Cedric laughed, only for one of Sora’s friends to hit him.

“Sorry, Cedric-senpai!”

The war was between me and Rosita. I tried my best to pay attention as I toss balls at her. Rosita wasn’t even trying to dodge and yet she was moving easily. I on the other hand was finding it difficult to keep up with my attacks, she hadn’t even made one shot. Rosita was well trained. I always knew that but wondered why. I watched her dunch a huge hole in a wall once, just because she was mad at something not me for once.

Father would always say her father had a lot of enemies so he made sure to train her very well so she won’t end up like his sisters. Yes, as Rosita and I were both told, she had two aunts who were killed by her father’s enemies because they couldn’t protect themselves. Hence, the reason her father made sure she was trained to make sure that didn’t happen. If anything should happen to her, her father would kill himself–like I’m told.

“Hold still let me hit you,” I huffed out. She stuck her tongue out to me.

“Getting tired, Zeddy boy?” She taunted. I was, I was indeed tired. “Then it’s my turn,” she picked up one ball I threw it. I tried to duck but she knew where I was going to duck to, so she hit bullseye. The coach blew her whistle for a break, Rosita was busy doing a happy dance. She didn’t hit me hard, I noticed that.

“Rosita Sugimoto, Sugimoto Sakura, Meena Okazaki, Mimi Aikawa, Inoue Aiko, are advancing to the finals. As for the boys, sadly, Odin Matsumoto, Darra Tachi, Fueki Tegoshi and Willy Willy…”

“Hey!” He shouted and everyone laughed. I scoffed and not because of Rosita, but because of Tegoshi. Every person has to have that one person that have sworn their entire life to frustrating them, and not in the good way.

Fueki had always been envious of me, we go way back. His mother hated mine for being better than her and the hate pass to his son to me. According to mother, his mother and mine used to be best of friends but then she snatched mother’s fiancé and married him. They even got married behind her back. Mother was so heartbroken she moved out of the country and laid low before coming across father two years later and having me. They got married and seeing as mother ended up with a richer man, that made the hate increase.

Fueki had always been compared to me by his mother, so I understood the hate. It however got annoying when he kept doing everything I was doing to prove he is better. When Gempire offered me an opportunity to be part of their agency and join the camp to train for members of the six groups they were planning, Fueki found a way to join too. We were signed in at the same time, almost made to share a room but thank God I got Odin instead.

Then the agency selected the ten boys out of thirty five that had the quality of a leader and songwriter. Fueki was unfortunately selected too, as third pick while I was first and Odin second. That made him hate Odin too. Odin dropped out halfway because he said leadership was hard work and too much responsibility. He already had a lot to deal with as future president of Gempire. Yes, his father own the thing. Only four won and those four were made the leader of the boys that won in the final competition.

As the first, I got to choose my teammates. I chose Isaac because we had gotten along throughout my stay, he wasn’t annoying and was very good at what he did. Darra, I chose him because he was the best dancer. He might be annoying but his body knew what to do at the right time. Alvin was also good at dancing and he was an incredible singer. I chose Cedric because he just suit in right with us and was too good with rapping. As usual, Fueki got mad that I still won and he get to choose my leftover. His teammates were good, but he just didn’t see pass his determination to get rid of me.

Then Gempire made the four groups they ended up with do a face off for who would represent the industry as the Idol Face, a year after our debut. Obviously, we won and I was specifically made the single face under a stupid name: “Prince Charming”. It was use to appeal girls and a lot of ridiculous things I didn’t care to know. All I did was take pictures, do videos, smile and wave. The others had their own code. I remember Darra was use for the cute term since he’s technically adorable.

Apparently, Fueki didn’t like that and he had openly made his hate for me known. He usually compete with me with everything, few times he won, most times I do. I however never get in any verbal exchange with him, or physical fight like my manager warned me to. It was better I play the mature one and ignore him.

He usually wasn’t around, but if he was and Rosita was too, then my life is completely over as he would find the perfect weapon.

Oh boy.